Genesis 4:1-16

  Yesterday, Ahmon overheard a conversation between Yinnana and Gilgamesh, which seemed to be related to the secrets of the gods. The relationship between Marduk and Enlil, two gods, did not seem to be good, while Humbaba was the gatekeeper of Enlil's divine domain, hoping to establish its own temple in Uruk and have a divine domain, but was rejected by Gilgamesh. What is "divine domain", is it just the territory where each kingdom builds temples for the gods? Ahmon is still unclear about this.

  Humbaba accepts the sacrifices of the people who live along the river, and its offspring cannot emerge during the day to attack humans. This seems to be a divine agreement. Yesterday, however, a strange snake apparently broke this agreement, and although it was killed by Enkidu, Gilgamesh seized the opportunity and is now determined to go and destroy Humbaba.

  This was one thing that Enmebaragesi had guessed correctly, Gilgamesh had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, since the day he became the lord of Uruk.

  Like the Hittite kingdom of Syria, the city-state of Uruk also produced valuable cedar wood in large quantities. The cost of extracting cedar from the Syrian mountains was very high. However, the conditions in Uruk were much better, and the loggers only needed to cut down trees on the high mountains along the river, then bind them into rafts and float them downstream, where they would be towed ashore by specialized boats at a point where the water flow was calm.

  Cedar wood is not only a precious material, but also the material for making war chariots and warships. It is an extremely important economic and strategic resource, and it is one of the main products of the city-state of Uruk. However, in the river there are Humbaba and his descendants lurking, every year they have to sacrifice groups of cattle and sheep to them in order to navigate safely during the day, while at night even a slight mistake may lead to being buried under the snake's kiss. Gilgamesh, as the lord of the city, had long wanted to eradicate this scourge.

  Unbeknownst to him, he had been using his detection technique for a long time. The distant sounds of fighting finally stopped, and Amun only came back to his senses when the sky was already brightening. Although he had "rested" for a night, he felt even more tired than yesterday, with waves of dizziness and instability, not just because of the indescribable shockwave he had sensed, but also due to the continuous overuse of his technique's power for a whole day and night.

  Amon was encountering this situation for the first time, and he almost suspected that he had fallen ill. It seemed that he still lacked experience in using divine magic. Last night's use of the detection divine magic had exceeded his endurance limit, but it had happened unknowingly and gradually. By the time he came to his senses, he had become very weak. Any divine magic user who encountered this situation would need a long rest to recover. That was why Amon, who also possessed the physical strength of a mid-tier warrior, hadn't collapsed on the spot.

  Amun urged the horse to speed up, but it was really a disaster. He found that the two horses were also sluggish and couldn't get into spirit, their noses blowing white air, looking very tired and exhausted, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't run fast, and halfway through, they even had diarrhea. Horses are delicate animals, Amun drove them too hard yesterday, if it were ordinary horses, they would have died on the road, these two fine horses can't take it either.

  They were thoroughbred horses, artificially fed, yet yesterday they had no dry fodder to eat, only drinking some spring water, and this morning eating the dewy leaves of the green grass; after a day's galloping they showed signs of weakness. Both men and horses were in this state, Amun knew he could not continue his journey under these conditions, he had to find a place to rest and recover, otherwise if something unexpected happened, the situation would be very dangerous.

  Fortunately, this place is already very far from the city of Uruk, and it's also a remote area. He thought to find a farmhouse to give enough money, borrow for a few days to rest and recover well, and also to feed his horse well, and bring enough fodder when he leaves.

  He was really lucky, before noon he saw a farmhouse at the foot of a small hill in the distance, with big and beautiful houses, continuous farmland on the left, and groups of cattle and sheep on the right slope. There was a small road leading to this farm, Amun swung his whip, and the two horses turned slowly, pulling the carriage towards the farm, passing through the fence and arriving at the flat ground in front of the house.

  A horse carriage entered the farm, and the people in the house had already been startled. Several people walked out of the house to see what was happening. Armand stopped the carriage and was about to explain his intention when he found that the two men at the front had already knelt down and were paying their respects: "Noble sir, how did you come to our humble abode?"

  Taking a closer look, it was indeed a coincidence that the two men kneeling down were the two warriors who had been guarding Amun on the ferry, Leskot-Lee's bodyguards whom he had hired along the way. At this moment, they no longer wore swords and were dressed as farmers, but their clothes were very clean, with simple embroidery on the collars and cuffs. The people behind them should be their family members and farm servants, who also followed suit and knelt down to pay their respects upon seeing the two men kneel down.

  "This wilderness stretches as far as the eye can see, with no other place in sight except for this farm at the foot of the mountain. Since I've run into Amun, it's too late to hide now. I'll put down my whip and get off the horse carriage: 'What a coincidence! To meet you all again here. My horse is sick and needs a good rest and some fodder, and after traveling for so long, I'm also quite tired. I'd like to find a place to stay for a few days and will pay you enough compensation.'"

  Those two men said in unison: "Noble sir, your carriage is parked at our door, it's our honor! What are you talking about compensation? It was you who saved our lives, we should repay you well. Please come in quickly, and your horse will also receive the best care."

  Amon ended up staying at the two brothers' farm, originally intending to stay for only one or two days. However, his over-exerted magical powers had not fully recovered, and he constantly felt unwell, so he ended up staying for over ten days. The two brothers treated Amon with extreme respect, letting him stay in the best room, eating and using the best things in the house.

  The two brothers, the elder was named Cain and the younger Abel. They lived in a very large farmhouse with one common hall but the house was divided into two parts, each having its own staircase. Amun lived upstairs in his brother Abel's home.

  These two brothers were also nobles, but their family had long since declined and the family's territory was now only this farm and a pasture outside the farm. Because the farm and the pasture are adjacent to each other, the two brothers still lived together after they separated. The farmland was given to Cain, the elder brother, and the pasture was given to Abel, the younger brother. Their father instructed them before his death that they must get along with each other and help each other.

  There were servants to help with the farm and cattle, and the two brothers would occasionally go out themselves. More often they liked to get out and look for opportunities, such as serving the kingdom to restore their ancestors' titles and honors, and reviving the family.

  Two brothers, although their family had declined, had the opportunity to learn martial arts when they were young and are now both second-level warriors. They have no worries about food and clothing but are not wealthy, and going out on a long journey requires spending a lot of money. On this trip back from accompanying someone outside, the two brothers ran out of money and temporarily accepted a merchant's employment as bodyguards to safely transport goods across the desert and over the Euphrates River to the city-state of Uruk. Unexpectedly, they encountered a monster in the river; if not for Ahmon, they would not have returned. Normally, when speaking together, the two brothers were very respectful, answering whatever Ahmon asked, fearing that their explanations would be insufficient or slow, thus delaying this noble divine technique master. Ahmon did manage to inquire about many situations regarding the kingdom of Babylon and the city-state of Uruk. At least he understood the grudge between the so-called Euphrates River god Humbaba and the city-state of Uruk, as well as why Gilgamesh wanted to kill it.

  Amun also heard another interesting thing, and finally "confirmed" the identity of Yin Nana. The beautiful and moving girl should be Princess Xian, the younger sister of King Hammurabi II of Balen. It is said that Princess Xian has stunning beauty, but she is romantic by nature and dislikes life in the palace. She often travels to various places, yearning for heroic stories in myths and legends, and likes to disguise herself as a commoner girl, walking among the streets and fields, unknowingly captivating the hearts of many men. Due to her identity, it goes without saying that those who pursued Princess Xian as a commoner girl also included some scoundrels with ulterior motives, all of whom ended up badly.

  When Gilgamesh met Enmebaragesi, he sang a song. If the lyrics were about Princess Tashlultum, everyone in the kingdom should understand what it meant. There was another important message: Princess Tashlultum was Gilgamesh's fiancée! This marriage was designated by the old King Hammurabi I when he was alive, with the purpose of winning over the most famous city-state hero in the kingdom and promising to use another city-state in the kingdom as a dowry for Princess Tashlultum.

  This political marriage could consolidate the rule of the Kingdom of Baren and better control the western border town of Uruk, which guarded the throat of the Euphrates River. The river to the west was a desert crossing, and it was also the boundary with the Egyptian Empire and the Hittite Kingdom. The marriage had been arranged, and neither party could refuse, nor did anyone seem to have any reason to oppose it - one was the most beautiful princess in the kingdom, and the other was the most famous hero of the city-state.

  However, three years ago, after the death of King Hammurabi I, the situation changed subtly. The eldest son of Hammurabi I, Hammurabi II, succeeded him, but he was already very old and had no children of his own. The seeds of a future struggle for succession to the throne of Babylon were sown. Those who were qualified and might intervene in the struggle for the throne were Princess Xia and several nephews of the late king.

  The old king had only two adult children, the eldest being Hammurabi II, born in his youth and now nearly seventy years old. He also had a young daughter, Princess Zhen, who was born to one of his favorite concubines in his later years and was still under twenty years old. This huge age difference is not uncommon for royalty, as the old king had many concubines but only left behind these two children from his youth and old age.

  Princess Akane herself had expressed her disinterest in the throne multiple times, wanting to distance herself from the royal capital and have fun traveling, and not wanting to get married so early. She seemed like a playful and mischievous girl. In the kingdom, rumors spread that some political enemies were planning to assassinate her while she was out. Another rumor circulating among the common people was that if Gilgamesh were to marry Princess Akane, he might usurp the throne of the Kingdom of Balen, but it was unclear who was spreading these rumors.

  These rumors made Gilgamesh very displeased, and he was no longer eager to marry Princess Xiao Yan, so the wedding was delayed.

  Princess Akane has gone out in disguise again, and it's said that from last summer to this winter, she hasn't returned to the palace. I suppose she's going around causing trouble as a commoner, not at all like the dignified princess she should be. It's said that Princess Akane is innocent and romantic, and has unknowingly caused many lovesick men in the kingdom to shed tears. Some people say that this behavior of hers is unbecoming and also very dangerous, and her political enemies will take advantage of the opportunity to send someone to assassinate her.

  Having heard all this, Ah Mon was convinced that Yin Nanna must be Princess Xiao Qian. This could explain everything he had seen: why Yin Nanna added the mark used only by gods or royal nobles when writing her name in divine script; and why she knew Gilgamesh. And yet Gilgamesh sang such a song to her, but still bowed to her and invited her to ride together.

  Enqi knew that Ah Meng was a magician, but he said that this time he was under the protection of Yinnana and passed through the city-state, and threatened Ah Meng not to have any improper thoughts, otherwise he might be killed. The reason is simple, Princess Xiao Yan is Gilgamesh's fiancée, and everything has been reasonably explained.

  Since he already "knew" that Yinnana's identity was Princess Xian, Armon let out a soft sigh and didn't think about it anymore. He might have just been one of the many people teased by the romantic and mischievous princess in the game kingdom. Even if he went to Balen City in the future, Armon wouldn't be able to go to the palace to find her, and as for Yinnana's promised reward, he didn't plan on taking it either.

  But he still had a good impression of Yinnana, at least the feeling of strolling together in that wilderness was beautiful, and the cake she gave him was also the unparalleled delicacy that Amun had ever tasted. She didn't do anything to wrong him, on the contrary, she protected a magician who had exposed his identity and safely passed through the city-state of Uruk. Putting this feeling and gratitude in his heart, don't think about it anymore, Amun just quietly recuperated his body in the farm of the two brothers.

  The two brothers treated Amun very well, giving him a comfortable place to hide when he was weak and recover his magical powers. Amun was deeply grateful from the bottom of his heart. On the ferry, it was also these two brothers who drew their swords and stood guard at the bow of the ship, while everyone else cowered in fear in the cabin. Amun thanked them very much at that time. Then another thing happened, which made Amun decide to repay these two people well.

  On the seventh day of Amun's stay in the farmhouse, a messenger from the city-state arrived on the road outside the farm. The lord of the city sent out multiple messengers carrying flags to traverse the various villages of the city-state, announcing two pieces of news to the people. The first piece of news: seven days ago, a ferocious monster snake, a descendant of Humbaba, attacked a ferry in broad daylight and was beheaded on the spot by a magician. Gilgamesh issued an announcement throughout the city-state explaining Amun's identity as a magician, but without revealing his name.

  Gilgamesh did not replace Amun in hiding his identity, but the message sent by the messenger also did not say what happened to this magician later. People privately discussed that after the magician got off the boat, he quietly walked away from the small road, and seven days had passed, and it was estimated that he had left the territory of Uruk far away.

  A magician killed a monster and saved everyone on the ship, which was a shocking event that was almost indescribable in its absurdity. However, people's attention was drawn to the second piece of news because it was even more unimaginably shocking! The captain of the city-state's guard, Enkido-dono, seven nights ago killed the young river god Hongbaba, cutting off all nine of its heads and using its snake skin to make a war drum, its snake bones to make drumsticks, and extracting nine snake tendons and pulling out thirty-six fangs.

  Lord Gilgamesh and Enkidu fought side by side, cutting off Humbaba's retreat and leaving it with no escape. In the end, Enkidu beheaded all of them. This heroic feat shocked the world, and as soon as the news spread, Enkidu and Gilgamesh became god-like figures in the hearts of the city-state people!

  It is said that the Lord of the City also made a decision, dividing the spoils into three parts, each consisting of three snake tendons and twelve wolf teeth. One part was left in the city-state of Uruk as a permanent memorial, one was offered to the great god Marduk, and one was sent to the palace of Balen as a gift for his fiancée, Princess Xiao Yan.

  Recently, Gilgamesh is about to go to the Marduk Temple and the Palace of Babylon in the name of offering gifts. As soon as the news spread, not only the city-state of Uruk but also the entire Babylonian kingdom was boiling. In every city-state, even in remote villages, people were excitedly discussing this grand event that had not been seen for many years.

  The people of the Kingdom of Balen are in an uproar, and Armon, who lives in a farmhouse, seems to be far away, but his current situation is very embarrassing. The messenger from the city-state came to the gate of the farmhouse, loudly reading the announcement of the lord of the city, which was clearly heard by him on the second floor, and the two brothers who were also on the ship naturally understood his identity.

  They took in a magician and gave him the best hospitality, if they didn't know any better it could be forgiven, but now that they've seen the city-state's announcement, what they should do is probably hand Amun over to the temple of the city-state. These two brothers have seen Amun's skills and are also clear that they themselves are not his match, so doing this is naturally impossible, but continuing to take him in would be inappropriate.

  Amun didn't want to cause them trouble, so after watching the messenger from the city-state leave from the window upstairs, he had already planned to pack up and leave. Unexpectedly, the two brothers returned home as if nothing had happened, still respectfully inviting Amun downstairs for dinner. The dinner was more sumptuous than usual, and they didn't mention the messenger reading the announcement at all. During dinner, Amun expressed his gratitude in a knowing manner and proposed to take his leave. He planned to leave immediately, not even wanting to stay overnight.

  But the two brothers sent everyone away, and Abel spoke very sincerely in front of Amun: "Our lord, please don't doubt our sincerity in treating you. You saved our brother's life, your arrival is our gospel! In fact, we can see that you have been uncomfortable for a few days and need to rest well. Your horse is also sick, the groom on the farm will definitely take good care of them, and they will carry you on your journey from now on. Please don't worry about anything, stay here with peace of mind until you fully recover before continuing on your way. The journey may be smoother."

  Abel was clearly hinting at Amun, and the two brothers had already figured out that he was a magician. They wouldn't mind and wouldn't reveal Amun's identity, but would still treat him with great respect and repay his kindness for saving their lives. Now that the news had spread throughout the city-state, if Amun returned to the main road, someone might recognize him. It would be safer to fully recover before continuing on the road.

  This was indeed a wiser choice for Amun, who had not fully recovered but was also not afraid of the two brothers. Everyone in the farm was within Amun's detection range with his divine sense, and in this remote place, if there was any situation, he could easily hide in the nearby wilderness and woods.

  Amun thought for a moment and finally nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, I will definitely repay you. If there's anything you need, just let me know, I'll do my best to help." He didn't mean anything else by this, although Amun was dressed in ordinary clothes, he was absolutely wealthy and had enough financial resources to heavily reward the two brothers, even if it meant buying them a farm several times larger than their current one.

  Ammon's words moved the brother, and that evening after dinner, Cain took his brother Abel to a field and said: "Ammon has told us to ask for anything we want, my dear brother, what should we ask him for?"

  Abel shook his head and said, "Although Ah Meng is a magician, he can afford to use scrolls and should be very rich. However, we treated him as a way of repaying the kindness of saving our lives, so how could we plot against his wealth?"

  He patted his younger brother on the shoulder and said, "You misunderstood me. How could I possibly want his money? We all saw it on the boat, he's such an excellent magician, mastering such powerful and mysterious powers! ...Don't forget that we also have the qualifications to learn magic, and our names are even registered in the temple's ritual records, but no one will teach us magic again."

  Abel also sighed and said: "Yes, Grandfather's friend, that respected old priest has passed away."

  The conversation between the two brothers also involved a past event. Only nobles were qualified to learn divine techniques, but it did not mean that all nobles could learn divine techniques at will. This required obtaining permission from the temple, undergoing the power awakening ceremony, and having clear registration, equivalent to obtaining recognized qualifications.

  So the identity of a divine spellcaster is very difficult to impersonate, and every divine spellcaster's origin can be investigated. There are records of which city-state, which temple, and which priest performed the power awakening ceremony, and these records are very clear.

  When the grandfather of the two brothers was still alive, an old priest in the temple of Uruck was his friend and had promised to teach Abel and Cain magic and held a power awakening ceremony, and made a confirmation registration in the temple. However, the power awakening was not immediately successful, and the old priest simply held one for them before passing away.